Reading should be fun, and "better books," as I like to call them, pull your kids in.
Better books make reading fun. It might be the illustrations, the funny story line, or all the things to discover in the book. Whatever it is—kids love them!
We've all bought books before that didn't really engage our kids.
So, what kind of book gets children reading?
A Book That Arouses Curiosity!!
Arousing curiosity is the "key" to great children's books. Any book can merely satisfy their curiosity. What you really want to find is a book that arouses interest and generates more questions.
Then, your children will be truly engaged in the books they are reading. A curious child will reach to learn more.
So how do you find books that will arouse a child's curiosity? Trial and error works, but knowing some basic characteristics is easier!
Criteria for Choosing Childrens Books
Peter Usborne, publisher and founder of Usborne Children's Books was a reluctant reader as a child. When his first child was born, he was motivated to create childrens books that kids would love to read.
Usborne found that certain characteristics help kids books appeal more to children:
Interactive books - promote realism and bring the characters to life.
Lively, Colorful Illustrations - maintain interest and stimulate curiosity
A High Picture-to-Word Ratio - important for visual stimulation.
Reluctant readers don't become overwhelmed.
Involvement of the reader - helps your child relate to the book.
Humor - keeps a child entertained and attentive. Everyone loves a funny book!
In addition to these criteria, you will also need to consider the reading level and the social age of your child.
Interest will be high if a child is reading about topics that are appropriate for his age level. And, if the text is not too difficult and not too easy, your child will have to reach a bit with his reading, but he won't become discouraged.
This means that, in addition to the book's being interesting, your child will also have a feeling of satisfaction, because he has learned new words and has achieved reading success!
So, choosing childrens books is not so hard as it first appears! Keep the tips above in mind when you are trying to find a book and you will find some great childrens books that will be remembered for a lifetime!
